An agentbased modelling methodology for the investigation of complex adaptive production networks

The investigation (i.e. modelling, simulation, understanding and control) of complex adaptive systems is a problematic issue mainly due to the immaturity of systems scientific modelling paradigms. The apparent analogies between complex adaptive systems and production networks provide us the opportunity to formulate the latter one in terms of the first, and integrate the knowledge and way of thinking of the two fields. Through the application of agent based modelling and the development of a methodology, a unique way of thinking is presented that involves the formulation of natural concepts in terms of simulation models